SONA 2012 by President Noynoy Aquino : The Technology Highlights

Needless to say, in today's world, technology plays a very important role in the growth and development of any nation, the Philippines included. And many parts of this year's State of the Nation Address delivered in our national language by President Benigno Aquino III at the House of Representatives this afternoon merely highlighted that.

While listening to the speech earlier, I took the liberty of taking note and jotting down several key points mentioned by President Noynoy pertaining to the use, acquisition and advancement of technology in the country.

English Translation: "Many of those affected by typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Sendong were just as defenseless. We lost so many lives to these natural disasters. And now, through Project NOAH, all our anti-disaster initiatives have been brought inside one boat, and we no longer leave the evacuation of families up to mere luck. We now have the technology to give fair warning to Filipinos in order to prepare for and avoid the worst.

Our 86 automated rain gauges and 28 water level monitoring sensors in various regions now benefit us directly and in real time. Our target before the end of 2013: 600 automated rain gauges and 422 water level sensors. We will have them installed in 80 primary river basins around the country."

English Translation: "At this moment, the Armed Forces is likewise canvassing equipment such as cannons, personnel carriers, and frigates. Before long, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, our second Hamilton class cutter, will drop anchor, to partner with the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. We are not sending paper boats out to sea. Now, our 36,000 kilometers of coastline will be patrolled by more modern ships."

English Translation: "Right now, 1,569 kilometers of this has been fixed under the leadership of Secretary Babes Singson. In 2012, an additional 2,275 kilometers will be finished. We are even identifying and fixing dangerous roads with the use of modern technology. These are challenges we will continue to address every year, so that, before end of my term, every inch of our national road network will be fixed."

4. New Helicopters and Two C-130 Military Aircraft for The Armed Forces

English Translation: "And perhaps it is an apt time for our Armed Forces to clean up their hangars, because we will be having equipment arriving soon to further fortify our defenses. Finally, our one and only C-130 that has been roaming our skies for the past 36 years will have partners: two more C-130s will once again be operational. Before this year ends, we are hopeful that the twenty-one refurbished UH-1H Helicopters, the four combat utility helicopters, the radios and other communication equipment, the rifles, the mortars, the mobile diagnostic laboratories, and even the station bullet assemblies we have purchased will be delivered. Come 2013, ten attack helicopters, two naval helicopters, two light aircraft, one frigate, and air force protection equipment will also be arriving."

English Translation: "Challenges remain. The high maternal mortality ratio in our country continues to alarm us. Which is why we have undertaken measures to address the health-care needs of women. We, too, want Universal Health Care; we want our medical institutions to have enough equipment, facilities, and manpower.

We can easier fulfill all these goals, if the Sin Tax Bill—which rationalizes taxes on alcohol and tobacco products—can be passed. This bill makes vice more expensive while at the same time raising more money for health."

English Translation: "Once, we were the debtors; now, we are the creditors, clearly no laughing matter. Until recently, we had to beg for investments; now, investors flock to us. Some Japanese companies have said to us, “Maybe you’d like to take a look at us. We’re not the cheapest but we’re number one in technology.” A British banker recently came loooking for opportunities."

TP Thoughts:

I'd say the overall feel of this year's state of the nation address is one of optimism and hope. I particularly liked that section of the speech where the president presented a video of 'regular' Filipinos - a policeman, a mother, and a military personnel, among others - who've benefited directly from reforms implemented by his government. For me, that clip showed that Pinoys are actually reaping the rewards of a leadership backed by integrity that they chose for themselves three years ago.

As for the "tech parts", I felt that most of them should have been done or implemented a long time ago. But as they say, "Better late than never." One sector that I wish would truly get the most out of advancements in technology is the public education system. I just hope that next year or maybe the year after that, our president can already talk about laptops and tablets for students alongside classrooms and textbooks. I mean, if Thailand can do it, why can't we? If the government starts focusing its funds and efforts on that now, I'm sure we'll get there sooner than expected and the benefits will definitely be great.